Winter boating in Washington (Seattle/Everett area)

[kf91]

The cabinet underneath the sink in the bathroom has a removable floor which will give you the access you need to run an extension cord to the engine compartment. At least that access exists on my R-25SC. Two people, an extension cord and the boat hook was enough to get the job done. The Admiral found some exposed fiberglass below the cabinet, so a long sleeve and glove is recommended. I zipped tied the cord to the deck drain tube in the engine compartment so it stays out of the way when not in use and the excess cord sits in the bathroom cabinet.

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

Some of our most memorable and enjoyable cruising in Puget Sound has been in the winter. We have been snowed on in Port Orchard and Anderson Island and have crunched through thin ice in Olympia and Gig Harbor. The Washington marine parks are empty - Blake Island is a special winter destination. The marine wildlife is always plentiful. We are members of the Tacoma Yacht Club and the outstations and reciprocal sites are especially appreciated in the winter with electricity for additional heating. Yes there is occasional heavy weather but nothing we can't handle for a short run (Puget Sound in the winter is similar to the Strait of Georgia in the summer). We do not do anything special with our RangerTug other than have a heater set for freezing conditions and set the vents in their fixed open position (keeps the air dry). This is not the Northeast or Alaska - the engine will start fine. Bottom line: We love cruising in the winter in Puget Sound!

 

[baz]

I use my R21EC at times during winter time. Currently I keep the boat at Stimson Marina in covered slip. Care must be taken tying up on Lake Washington (inside the locks). During winter the water level is allowed to drop as much as 3 feet. So checking there's enough slack in the lines is important if your dock does not float up/down otherwise cleats or buckles will be damaged.

I keep a small dehumidifier running at all times of the year inside the cabin. It generally will keep cabin temps above freezing. I checked the other day when outside temps were around 32ºF and the cabin was at 38ºF.

 

[boaterjoe]

we live on Bainbridge island and boat year round except when very cold or small craft advisory. Great places to go so why wait until everybody else goes out. Blake island is exceptional in the winter and early spring. No one there. Also poulsbo is a great venue. I make it a point of going out once or twice a month through the winter.
boaterjoe